The 10 Best Live Music Venues in Utah!

In more populous states, there may be a wider selection of music venues, but nothing quite tops the special kind of quality Utah offers. There’s no question that music culture in Utah is on the upswing. If you’re looking for some solid, musical entertainment (with both local and nonlocal bands as well as solo artists) these 10 Utah music venues should be at the top of your list.

A staple in the Utah music scene, the Depot is a comfortable venue that hosts a solid selection of successful musicians year round. Located in the Gateway outdoor shopping mall, parking is simple and the experience itself is clean, pleasant and completely centered on the actual music.

Another state-wide fixture, the Complex showcases big names at relatively small prices. With its easy to access downtown location and lack of age restrictions, this venue sees a large number of visitors but holds well. If you’re not interested in tight crowds, however, this venue may not be the best fit.

Although only located in a moderately sized college town, the Velour has made a name for itself by fostering the likes of internationally successful bands such as Imagine Dragons and Neon Trees. The venue is intimate and incredibly cozy, with tickets starting around $5. The Velour’s weekly open mic night—although a bit less formal—is also an enjoyable and relaxing experience suitable for all ages.

Certainly more intimate than most Salt Lake City venues, the State Room attracts an older crowd and serves alcohol. The really good news? A more mature crowd means there’s less pushing and shoving and more of a focus on the music.

Utah’s oldest venue, Kilby Court has maintained its small-town charm while also developing an increasingly positive reputation for hosting interesting and up-coming indie groups. Frequented by college and high school students alike, this place is perfect if you want to feel like you’re listening to top-notch indie music in your neighbor’s garage.

Known for its intimate nature and ability to successfully host local bands, In the Venue doesn’t regularly host world-renowned bands. That said, if the group you’re seeing has substantial name recognition, plan to arrive early to secure an acceptable spot in the crowd before it gets too crowded.

Relatively new to the SLC music scene, Diabolical Records is the hang-out for 1990s revivalists and aesthetic-conscious hipsters. Does that mean it’s off limits to the general music-loving public? Not in the slightest. Perhaps the greatest thing about Diabolical Records is its complete lack of pretention.

Located in the college town of Provo, Utah, Muse Music is a popular spot for local bands and curious teenagers. Offering up a larger space and excellent acoustics in their new location, Muse is a nice place for a cinematic evening of wonderful music and a delicious grilled cheese.